The Use of a Survey to Cultivate a Collection of Creative Adaptations for Hospitalized Children with Physical Disabilities

Abstract

The following study is focused on finding creative ways to accommodate and adapt art therapy for physically disabled patients. Using a mixed-method, survey approach, with quantitative demographic data and qualitative insights into art therapy experiences, 23 art therapists were asked about how they helped disabled patients/clients participate in art therapy, what traditional/non-traditional materials they used, and how they implemented these adaptations. Participants were credentialed/ licensed art therapists in the United States who worked with physically disabled patients/clients. Participants reported using many different creative adaptations, including adapting the space, materials, and directives. There were also many different ideas about how to implement these adaptations, which showcases the need for individualized care for every patient with disabilities. No disability or patient is the same. Therefore, each needs specific mental health treatment services. Future research focused on accommodating intellectual, developmental, visual, and hearing disabilities would help to fill the gap in the current literature for adaptive art therapy.